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The Day of Ding Hai, abbreviated as D-Day…
Ahem, wrong channel.
Let's start over.
The Day of Ding Hai: When the Heavenly Stems of Ding and Ren combine, they transform into Wood. It is a day associated with sitting under the patronage of noblemen and being blessed by the direct influence of the Seal and Office stars, free from conflicting energies, making it highly favorable for literary talent. Auspicious activities include opening markets, conducting trade, receiving wealth, moving residence, installing beds, consecrating objects, praying for blessings, and breaking ground…
Inauspicious activities include conducting funerals, marrying, and bathing…
So, was it an auspicious day?
It could be considered a relatively good day. However, for both the Emperor and the accompanying officials, it might not have felt like one in their hearts.
Although the procession was as thrilling as ever—resplendent and colorful, with the imperial guard formation orderly and the canopies dazzling—it was evident that behind the solemn expressions of the accompanying ministers and the guarding Imperial Forest and Tiger Guard warriors, there was no hidden joy.
Especially Grand Tutor Yuan Wei. As he passed by Fei Qian, who only dared to steal a glance at the procession of carriages and guards, Yuan Wei's rigidly set face and nearly bulging eyes unmistakably revealed the anger and helplessness in his heart.
Fei Qian had been waiting outside the West Gate since the first hour of Mao shi (5:00 AM), and it was not until the third hour of Chen shi (8:00 AM) that the imperial guard's procession finally emerged from the West Gate. By the time the entire procession, including the hundred officials and the subsequent family members and supplies, had fully passed, the sun had already passed its zenith.
No one is willing to leave the land they are familiar with. Is this an inherent trait of the Huaxia people?
This was Fei Qian's first time witnessing the full imperial procession, and he was utterly astonished. Leaving aside the gleaming armor of the Imperial Forest Guard and Tiger Guard in the vanguard, or the various flags symbolizing different meanings, or the axes, dagger-axes, hooks, and spears representing authority and power, let's focus solely on the Emperor's Lu carriage…
Drawn by six purebred horses, the canopy of the Lu carriage stood nearly one meter high, predominantly golden yellow, possibly even adorned with gold leaf, making it exceptionally dazzling. It was further decorated with white jade, hence the carriage was also called the Jade Lu.
Surrounding it were three layers of openwork gold cloud panels. The curtains were made of silk brocade, embroidered with golden dragon patterns. The four pillars of the carriage were painted with golden clouds and dragons. The carriage doors were draped with beaded curtains, three on each side. The Emperor's throne was enclosed by vermilion railings, also decorated with golden patterns. Even the carriage axles below were adorned with golden openwork designs, and the shafts were fashioned into dragon heads and tails—exuding grandeur and opulence, incredibly lavish…
According to protocol, Chancellor Dong Zhuo stood to the right of the carriage, and Minister of the Imperial Stud Wang Yun acted as the driver. However, Emperor Liu Xie was simply too young and inconspicuous sitting on the imperial throne inside the carriage. Consequently, Dong Zhuo essentially stole the spotlight. Otherwise, this display would have truly manifested the dignity and splendor of the Han imperial family.
As the Emperor and the accompanying procession of the Three Excellencies, Nine Ministers, and other officials with ranks above two thousand dan gradually moved into the distance, the officials and crowds seeing them off also slowly dispersed. Almost everyone was silent, devoid of any excitement from witnessing such a grand ceremony. Most hung their heads and walked back quietly.
Family head Fei Min approached from the side and asked in a low voice, "Ziyuan, have you decided on your departure date?"
"I leave today," Fei Qian replied. The Emperor had left; his mentor Cai Yong and his senior sister were also in the procession. There was no need to worry about their safety, as they were in the first group and with the Emperor. Thus, Fei Qian had no reason to stay in Luoyang any longer. It was better to leave early.
"…Staying is pointless. The sooner we leave, the better," Fei Qian said, seemingly referring to himself, but also perhaps offering a piece of advice to Fei Min.
Fei Min nodded and said, "I will also depart in the coming days. There are many complicated matters at home, so I won't be able to see you off, nephew. If you need anything after reaching Bing Province, you can send a letter."
Fei Qian cupped his hands in salute to Fei Min to express his thanks.
Arriving at the base of Luoyang's West Gate, Fei Qian looked up. The sun was slightly to the west, shining directly onto the gate tower, so bright it was almost dazzling…
×××××××××××××
At almost the same moment, far away outside the allied camp at Suanzao, someone else was also looking up at the sky…
"Elder Brother, what are you looking at?" Zhang Fei stood beside Liu Bei, also tilting his head to look at the sky, but aside from a few white clouds, he saw nothing.
"Looking at the sky," Liu Bei murmured.
"…The sky?" Zhang Fei widened his eyes, looking from left to right and right to left, but still, aside from a few white clouds, there was nothing.
Guan Yu walked over and said, "Elder Brother, the troops are all ready."
"Good," Liu Bei withdrew his gaze, looked at Guan Yu, then at Zhang Fei, and smiled gently. "Wait for me to say a few words to the soldiers, then we'll set off."
Liu Bei smiled on the surface, but his heart was filled with anxiety. He had originally thought this would be like the Yellow Turban Rebellion—just coming to gain some experience—but never expected that after finally arriving at Suanzao, nothing would happen.
Well, that's not entirely accurate. Although there was no real fighting, there was plenty of verbal fighting…
These warlords held banquets in the main tent every few days. After eating and drinking, they would argue, then disperse, only to repeat the process a few days later…
Although he flew the banner of being a descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, it was utterly useless. After all, he was merely the magistrate of Gaotang County, with only Guan Yu and Zhang Fei as his generals and no more than eight hundred soldiers. How could he compare?
Was the world so vast that it had no place for Liu Bei?
A few days ago, news arrived that Gaotang County had been overrun by bandits…
Originally, transferring county soldiers to Suanzao without official orders was already a serious crime. Now, with Gaotang's defenses weakened and the county seized by bandits, his crime was even more unforgivable.
He could not return to Gaotang.
Nor could he stay in Suanzao.
Initially, provisions had been provided by Kong Zhou of Yuzhou and Han Fu of Jizhou, and Yuan Shu of Runan had also sent provisions several times. But now, clearly, the frequency and amount were decreasing.
The provisions he had brought were long exhausted, and he had been scraping by, shamelessly begging for a few dan from here and a few bags from there. Even the provisions for this mobilization were provided by Qiao Mao, the Governor of Dong Commandery, out of respect for his former teacher, Lu Zhi, the Central General…
Liu Bei stood before the small military formation, silent for a moment, then said clearly: "There is one thing I should tell everyone: Gaotang County has been taken by bandits! We cannot go back!"
Immediately, the formation stirred with unrest.
"If any of you wish to return, you may go freely! I, Liu Bei, Liu Xuande, descendant of Prince Jing of Zhongshan, swear here that I will not make things difficult for you! When we set out from Gaotang, I told you I was bringing everyone here to achieve merits and honor, to bring glory to our ancestors!
Today! I tell you, my words still hold!"
Liu Bei pointed north and said:
"My senior brother Gongsun Bogui has recently been appointed Ferocious Martial General and enfeoffed as Marquis of Ji. I intend to seek refuge with him! I repeat the same words!
If I have food to eat, I will not let you go hungry!
If I have clothes to wear, I will not let you suffer from cold!
If you believe in me, and are willing to strive for achievement in this world with your own hands!"
"Please follow me!"
With that, without looking back at the soldiers, he turned and led the way. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said nothing, silently following.
After a short while, gradually, the sound of more and more footsteps emerged. A line of people followed behind the figure at the front, winding their way north…
*****
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